Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to order my seedlings?
November is the best time to order seedlings, however we continue to take orders throughout the year.
What is the minimum number of seedlings that I can order?
When will my seedlings be ready?
1 full tray of a single species
All seedlings are available for collection from May 15th until August 15th
How tall are the seedlings?
This will vary with the species. Most are between 15 and 30 cm tall.
Do I need to do any preparation before planting?
Correct site preparation is essential for good establishment of trees and shrubs. Please contact us for more information.
Complementary advice is available via phone. An on-site consultancy service is also available.
What are the benefits of seedlings over advanced stock?
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Reduced transplant shock
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Superior root development
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Proven performance in both growth rate & establishment
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Higher survival rate
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Reduced freight costs
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Vastly cheaper product
What are the tree and shrub seedlings
used for?
The most common uses are to:
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Combat salinity
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Reduce soil erosion
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Control water tables
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Provide wind breaks
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Absorb carbon dioxide
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Provide shade and shelter for stock
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Create screening
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Produce timber
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Create wildlife corridors
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Provide food and shelter for wildlife
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Improve aesthetical value of property
Links
Plant description and id
Department of Agriculture and Food WA
www.agric.wa.gov.au search Farm Forestry
South West Catchments Council
Australian Forest Growers
A Guide to Successful Native Seedling Establishment
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Protect area from vermin. Solar electric fences when installed correctly can be effective against kangaroos and rabbits. Other methods involve the installation of tree guards combined with rabbit baiting or kangaroo culling.
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Ripping – single rip area to be planted to 0.5 m prior to opening rains. Maximum effectiveness is achieved from cross ripping the site. Ripping in summer is most effective as it will shatter the top soil profile to allow avenues for root penetration and the soil will subside by planting time to eliminate soil air pockets.
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Spray for “woody weeds” toward the end of summer using either a high dose of “Round Up” or “Garlon”. Apply at recommended rates.
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Spraying – apply a knock down herbicide (e.g. Round Up) in 1 metre strips along rip lines approx. 1 month after the opening rains.
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Plant seedlings approx. 2 to 3 days after spraying. Firm in well to reduce soil air pockets. Create a small “dam” for each seedling to maximize rainfall use and to help with supplementary watering.
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Fertilize seedlings with a slow release plant pill 3 to 4 weeks after planting. Plant the fertilizer pill approx. 20 cm to the downhill side of the seedling and bury just below the surface.
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Supplementary watering during summer months. Water deeply i.e. approx. 10 litres every month per seedling. This will enhance survival and promote deep root penetration.
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Follow up weed control if necessary in the next spring being careful not to overspray the young plants.
General Planting Guides
Species mix for affective block plantings or windbreaks;
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Density = 1500 stems per hectare
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70 percent shrubs and 30 percent trees
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2 metre spacing between shrubs and 3 to 5 metres between trees
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Allow room for a 3 metre windbreak and consider vehicle access in case of a fire and for watering/spraying etc.
Plant and Equipment Required
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Single tyned tractor ripper
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Hand seedling planters – “Potti Putki’s and seedling tubs
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Back pack sprayer